Welcome to the future of opulence with a breathtaking sneak peek at the Bentley of tomorrow! This vehicle, a feat of imaginative engineering, is inspired by the storied legacy of the British luxury marque and its illustrious grand tourers from the early 1900s. But don’t expect the familiar roar of a W12 or V8 from under that majestically elongated bonnet. Enter the Bentley EXP 15—a captivating concept that will not make it to production but offers tantalizing hints about Bentley's first fully electric Urban Luxury SUV set to debut in 2026, proudly crafted in Crewe. This alluring design is also set to influence the future replacement of the iconic Bentley Mulsanne luxury saloon, slated for 2030. The EXP 15 boasts an extravagant silhouette characterized by an upright grille, an 'endless' bonnet, and a rearward cabin design that pays homage to the 1930 Bentley Speed Six Gurney Nutting Sportsman coupé, affectionately nicknamed the 'Blue Train.' This remarkable vehicle was the chariot of former Bentley chairman Woolf Barnato during a legendary race against a train from Cannes to Calais, where he famously reached London before the train could finish its journey. Bentley asserts that the EXP 15 embodies five core design principles that will guide the direction of its future models: ‘Upright Elegance’, ‘Iconic Grille’, ‘Endless Bonnet Line’, ‘Resting Beast’, and ‘Prestigious Shield’.
In the realm of electric vehicles, the absence of a roaring engine means no need for a massive grille, yet grilles remain a cornerstone of Bentley's design ethos, imparting a commanding presence. The EXP 15's sophisticated reinterpretation features a shuttered, backlit panel with a mesmerizing geometric pattern and a central spine that glows. Even the iconic Bentley Wings and the famed Flying B mascot have undergone a stylish transformation, emerging with a sharper, modern aesthetic that sets the tone for the EXP 15 and its forthcoming road-going electric counterpart. This marks just the fifth alteration of the Bentley emblem in over a century, signifying a pivotal evolution and the dawn of a new chapter in Bentley’s history. Furthermore, the concept embraces the 'Resting Beast' philosophy, encapsulating the perfect proportions that characterize a true Bentley. “Every distinguished Bentley showcases rear haunches that gracefully bulge from the body above the rear wheels,” explains Domen Rucigaj, head of exterior design. “These lines exude both strength and energy, reminiscent of a powerful big cat in repose. But a Bentley should possess a relaxed and level stance, neither aggressively pitched forward nor lethargically leaning back. My focus has also been on achieving impeccable Bentley proportions, dividing the visual space into one-third for the cabin and two-thirds for the body.”
Among the other striking features are incredibly sleek headlight strips that outline the grille, while behind the front wheel arches, strategically placed vents manage airflow along the sides of the vehicle. For enhanced aerodynamics, active twin roof spoilers and a dynamic rear diffuser are integrated into the design. The stunning Pallas Gold liquid metal satin finish, combined with golden white highlights inspired by the classic nickel details of the legendary Speed Six, makes for an eye-catching combination. And let’s not forget the expansive bonnet—this isn’t an attempt to compensate for engine absence but rather a feature of grand touring, providing ample space for luggage. The rear panel showcases the majestic Bentley logo and lettering, the 'Prestigious Shield,' that not only signifies excellence but also doubles as a tailgate that, when lowered, transforms into seating for two.
Inspired by the Gurney Nutting coupé, the EXP 15’s interior layout features only three seats, but it takes a unique twist. The driver’s seat occupies the expected location, with a luxuriant passenger chair positioned behind it. However, this isn’t just any seat—it’s designed for comfort, boasting an unobstructed expanse in front, ensuring the lucky occupant enjoys ample legroom. This seat can effortlessly shift to the front in a ‘co-pilot’ mode for conversations with the driver or even provide directions, or recline back into ‘relax’ mode. With additional footrests, the vast space can be folded down to accommodate more luggage, or even transform into comfortable quarters for your furry friend—though the pooch featured in Bentley’s shots seems less than impressed with their exquisite, brand-inspired surroundings.
With this configuration, the passenger seat is undoubtedly the prime spot, enhanced further by regal twin coach doors. When opened, a portion of the panoramic roof tilts upward, and the seat swivels a perfect 45 degrees, ensuring that stepping in and out of this luxury SUV is a seamless experience. “Getting out becomes an effortless act of grace rather than a scramble typical of many supercars,” notes Darren Day, head of interior design. “This attention to detail can also be traced back to the design we created for Her Majesty the Queen, where the aperture of the door played a crucial role in ‘the art of arrival.’”
The interior features Bentley’s classic ‘Wing Gesture’ dashboard, a design principle that has successfully withstood the test of time. Another enduring philosophy is ‘Bold Gravitas’, where natural materials like wood, metal, and stone are celebrated across expansive surfaces, allowing every occupant to appreciate their tactile quality. Among these exquisite materials is silk, meticulously woven by one of the UK’s oldest mills, Gainsborough, established in 1903, complementing the innovative 3D-printed titanium elements and a new woven metal mesh known as ‘Acrylic Couture’, creating stunning 3D graphics when illuminated. In a refreshing contrast to contemporary trends that sometimes forgo physical buttons in favor of touch-sensitive panels, Bentley remains steadfast in its commitment to tangible controls.
Foregoing the trend of eliminating physical interfaces for digital displays, Bentley is embracing what it calls ‘Magical Fusion’. Expect knurled dials and a beautifully designed start button on the center console, alongside the ‘Mechanical Marvel’ nestled behind the glass dashboard—a sophisticated clock-like instrument displaying travel direction, charge state, and vital statistics, serving as a captivating visual centerpiece. Instead of a rotating dashboard akin to those seen in the latest models, the EXP 15 cleverly allows the infotainment interface to switch off, revealing an elegant wood veneer underneath. Robin Page, Bentley’s design director, expresses, “The essence of a concept vehicle lies not just in showcasing our new design language but also in gauging the future direction of the market. It’s clear that SUVs are on the rise, while we retain a thorough understanding of the GT niche through four generations of the Continental GT. However, the sedan segment is evolving, with some desiring a classic ‘three-box’ silhouette, others seeking a ‘one-box’ design, and many looking for something that elevates the experience. This provides us with the perfect opportunity to engage with potential customers and a sense of what they truly crave.”
